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Attending An Awards Ceremony At The United Nations Headquarters

On Monday evening, I attended a dinner at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, escorted by my nephew, Christopher Herbert. The reason was to attend an awards ceremony for The Women Together Association. Women Together, in association with the United Nations, focuses on eradicating poverty by developing industries, such as local arts and crafts in underdeveloped countries, thereby empowering the individual and improving health and education. Women have been the driving force behind these industries and beneficiaries of such financing. Women Together honors prominent people in their fields who have contributed to this mission. My friend, Patricia Ardila, was one of the honorees, along with another friend, Dominique Bluhdorn. Congratulations to all of those honored for their amazing work.

1 Here I am with Patricia Ardila's aide de camp, in front of the United Nations before the dinner. I was greeted by her and ushered in.

2 Chris Herbert, my nephew, was my escort. He also acted as paparazzi for the night.

3 The main hallway of the UN building - The Secretariat is the centerpiece of the UN complex, a skyscraper based on plans by Le Corbusier, one of the most well-known modern architects. It is a magnificent structure situated on the East River in midtown Manhattan.

4 This is the interior sign of The Secretariat Building. There are dual languages everywhere - French and English. If the building were constructed today, would it be Spanish, English, and Chinese? Or Arabic?

5 The 9th Annual Women Together Awards were presented in the ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social Council) chamber.

6 This chamber has recently been refurbished and furnished in the original design. The room was a gift from Sweden, designed by famed Swedish architect Sven Markelius, a member of the original team behind the UN Headquarters design.

7 The dais - My friend, Patricia Ardila is second from left, along with other honorees.

8 Gala guests

9 The chamber was brimming with proud family and friends of the honorees.

10 Chris was trying to get a translation from the Spanish. It was not available - they must have been off duty.

11 This is my friend, Patricia Ardila and her son, Juan Carlos. Patricia has dedicated herself to the task of elevating the standard of education in her home country of Colombia.

12 I wore my favorite Valentino. We visited the Trusteeship Council Chamber next door, which was also very newly refurbished.

15 The large wooden statue was a gift from Denmark, presented to the UN in June 1953 and made by Danish sculptor, Henrik Starcke. Carved out of teak wood, the woman with her arms outstretched letting the bird fly free symbolizes mankind and hope.

16 The chamber was revamped with new furniture by Danish designers Kasper Salto and Thomas Sigsgaard.

17 Chris, my friend Kathy Sloane, and Dr. Alice Kandell, one of the honorees - Child psychologist and photographer, Dr. Kandell has amassed the largest collection of sacred Buddhist images, objects, and sculptures including a complete Tibetan meditation shrine.

18 The East River at night - The Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is in the middle of the river.

19 The ubiquitous Pepsi sign casts a red neon glow upon the water.

20 Chris and the UN

21 A great shot of Chris

22 Looking south towards the Williamsburg Bridge. The East River was so calm!

23 The UN Secretariat Building, with its 39 stories, it is a wonderful structure, made exclusively of aluminum, glass, and marble.

24 The Chrysler Building is visible over the UN dining room.

25 With floor-to-ceiling windows with 180-degree views, the Delegates Dining Room is a stunning space to gather.

26 This is a view of the Delegates Dining Room and Secretariat Tower while standing on one of New York City's largest outdoor patios.

27 My place

28 Here I am with Patricia and guests. The woman on the right accepted for my friend Dominique Bludhorn, who was out of the country. Dominique was honored for her commitment to the arts and culture in the Dominican Republic.

29 The centerpieces were artificial flowers, all very well made.

30 Fashion designer Mary McFadden, was honored for her many charitable works in South America.

31 The Delegates Dining Room was crowded and lively.

32 Chris with Susana Naim, the wife of the famous economist Moises Naim, who wrote "The End of Power."